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Ex-Manchester United defender Nemanja Vidic has the reputation of one of the best centre-backs in Premier League history, but a former opponent believes he was never elite
Former Blackpool striker Gary Taylor-Fletcher has ignited controversy by questioning the legacy of Nemanja Vidic, suggesting that the former Manchester United defender doesn't belong in the same echelon as other iconic Premier League center-backs.
Taylor-Fletcher's Bold Assertion
Vidic, who enjoyed an illustrious eight-year tenure at Old Trafford from 2006 to 2014, is widely regarded as one of the league's greatest defenders, having amassed an impressive collection of 15 trophies, including five Premier League titles. Despite being ranked alongside defensive stalwarts like John Terry, Vincent Kompany, Rio Ferdinand, and Virgil van Dijk, Taylor-Fletcher contends that Vidic is overrated.
The former Blackpool striker, who faced Vidic during the Seasiders' sole Premier League campaign in 2010-11, took to social media to express his views. Responding to a tweet praising Vidic's prowess, Taylor-Fletcher claimed, "Yeah and I tore him apart twice for @BlackpoolFC in 2010/11 season. He was nowhere near levels of Ferdinand, Terry & VVD. He was the same level as Skrtel. Solid good player. Not elite."
Taylor-Fletcher, known for his nomadic career spanning 15 different clubs, emphasized his point by drawing a comparison between Vidic and former Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel, suggesting that both players operated at a similar level.
Taylor-Fletcher Relives Glory Despite Relegation
During Blackpool's memorable 2010/11 campaign, Taylor-Fletcher played a pivotal role, contributing six goals in the Premier League, including a strike against Manchester United in a thrilling encounter. Despite Taylor-Fletcher's assertion that he outperformed Vidic on multiple occasions, Blackpool suffered relegation on the final day of the season, adding a bitter footnote to their remarkable journey.
As Taylor-Fletcher's comments continue to stir debate among football enthusiasts, they underscore the subjective nature of assessing players' legacies and the enduring fascination with contrasting opinions within the sport. The incident serves as a reminder that even the most revered figures in football are subject to scrutiny and differing perspectives.
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